When vs While โ The Complete Guide
Here we are going to use 'When' and 'While' as subordinate (subordinating) conjunctions to understand the basic differences between them. Although their meanings can overlap, the type of action and tense determine which one to use. Letโs break it down with clear rules and plenty of examples.
A) Use of 'While'
In general, we use 'While' when we talk about two continuous actions happening at the same time (simultaneously).
1) While I was watching TV, my brother was reading a novel.
Or, My brother was reading a novel while I was watching TV.
2) While I was working in the garden, my wife was cooking in the kitchen.
3) It was raining while I was watching a movie.
4) I am playing while my sister is reading.
5) While my mother was making food, I was writing a story.
B) Use of 'When'
We use 'When' when we talk about two single actions, periods (ages), or time โ where one action happens immediately after another (one action follows the other).
1) My son hugged me when I reached home.
2) When I was a child, I lived in Tokyo. [Indicates a period/age]
3) You will come when I reach there.
4) I will go out when my mother returns.
5) When I switch on my mobile, I receive a number of messages.
6) When I get a job, I will buy a computer.
7) When Tom went into the garden, he saw a fox.
8) I graduated when I was 21.
9) Please come and see me when you are free.
C) Mixed Actions โ One Continuous, One Single
When there is one continuous action (long) and one single action (short) in a sentence, we have a choice โ but thereโs an important rule.
1) We were talking when the teacher came into the classroom.
2) While I was watching TV, my friend knocked on the door.
3) I fell asleep while (or when) I was reading a storybook.
4) The doorbell rang when/while I was reading.
5) John called me when I was working in the garden.
6) I was writing a letter when John arrived.
7) The telephone rang when/while she was cooking.
8) I was sleeping when Tom called.
Or, Tom called when/while I was sleeping.
๐ The Golden Rule for Mixed Actions
Example: He called when/while I was sleeping.
Rule 2: When the continuous action comes first (continuous + single), we must use when (not while) before the single action.
Example: I was sleeping when he called. (Not: I was sleeping while he called.)
Very Important Notes
โ To indicate a period of time, age, or year โ use 'When'
1) I completed my graduation when I was 22 years old.
2) When I was a child, I used to go to the temple with my grandmother.
3) I used to bathe in the river when I was young.
4) When I was a child, I lived in New York.
โ To indicate a general truth โ use 'When'
1) When you heat water, it turns into vapour.
2) The grass gets wet when it rains.
๐ Comma Rules
- When when/while is at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma after the first clause.
E.g., While I was watching a movie, it was raining. - When when/while is in the middle of the sentence, do not use a comma.
E.g., It was raining while I was watching a movie.
Points to Remember
- English is a language just like your mother tongue โ treat it naturally.
- Listen and Speak, Read and Write, Learn and Practice โ that's the complete cycle.
- Practice makes us fit to achieve what we really want.
- Focus on the type of action (continuous vs. single) to choose the right conjunction.
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